1.) How did St.

Augustine reconcile the pursuit of secular education with his eventual

commitment to Christian doctrine or faith?
St. Augustine of Hippo, a renowned theologian and philosopher of the early Christian Church,
presents a compelling case for the reconciliation of secular education with a commitment to
Christian doctrine. His journey from a life urged in secular pursuits to one devoted to faith
illustrates the complex interplay between intellectual inquiry and spiritual belief. Augustine’s
writings, particularly in "Confessions", provide insight into how he navigated this reconciliation.
Initially, Augustine was deeply influenced by the classical education of his time, which
emphasized rhetoric, philosophy, and the liberal arts. He pursued these studies with passion,
believing that they would equip him for success in public life. However, as he engaged with
various philosophical schools, particularly Manichaeism and Neoplatonism, he found himself
grappling with profound existential questions about truth, morality, and the nature of God. This
intellectual pursuit was not merely an academic exercise; it was a quest for meaning that
ultimately led him to reconsider his values and beliefs.
Augustine's turning point came through his encounter with Christianity. The influence of his
mother, Monica, who was a devoted Christian, played a significant role in this transformation.
Despite his initial resistance to faith, often viewing it as simplistic compared to the complexities
of philosophical thought, Augustine began to see that true wisdom transcended human
understanding. In "Confessions," he conveyed a pivotal moment in a garden where he heard a
child's voice urging him to "take up and read." This led him to open the Scriptures and read St.
Paul's letters, which profoundly impacted his understanding of grace and redemption.
In reconciling secular education with Christian doctrine, Augustine did not dismiss his earlier
studies; rather, he integrated them into his newfound faith. He argued that all truth is ultimately
rooted in God and that secular knowledge can serve as a means to understand divine truths more
deeply. For Augustine, reason and faith were not mutually exclusive but complementary; he
believed that rational inquiry could lead one closer to God.
Moreover, Augustine's concept of the "two cities" which are the city of man (civitas terrena) and
city of God (civitas Dei), illustrates his view on the relationship between secular knowledge and
spiritual truth. While acknowledging the value of earthly pursuits (the City of Man), he
maintained that they should be oriented towards higher spiritual realities (the City of God). This
duality allowed him to appreciate secular education while prioritizing his commitment to
Christian doctrine.
In conclusion, St. Augustine reconciled the pursuit of secular education with his commitment to
Christian faith by recognizing that both realms could coexist harmoniously within an individual's
life. His journey reflects an evolution from reliance on human wisdom towards an understanding
that true knowledge is found in divine revelation. By integrating reason with faith, Augustine
established a framework where intellectual pursuits enrich rather than detract from spiritual
growth—a perspective that continues to resonate within contemporary discussions on faith and
reason today.
2.) How does St. Augustine’s concept of the life (self) challenge or align with modern ideas of
self-discovery and personal growth?
St. Augustine offers profound insights into the nature of the self that resonate with current
notions of self-discovery and personal growth. His reflections, particularly in works such as
"Confessions," provide a structure for understanding the complexities of personal identity,
morality, and the pursuit of truth. This paper will explore how Augustine’s concept of the self
both challenges and aligns with modern ideas surrounding these themes.
At the heart of Augustine's philosophy is the notion that true self-discovery begins with an
inward journey. He famously stated, "The mind commands the body and is its master; it should
be its master." This contention indicated his belief that understanding oneself requires
introspection and a deep examination of one's thoughts, desires, and motivations. In this regard,
Augustine's emphasis on inner reflection aligns closely with modern practices in psychology and
personal development that advocate for mindfulness and self-awareness as essential components
of personal growth.
However, Augustine also considered that this journey towards understanding oneself cannot be
detached from one's relationship with God. He argued that human beings are inherently flawed
due to original sin and can only find true fulfilment through divine grace. This theological
perspective presents a challenge to contemporary secular approaches to self-discovery which
often prioritize individual autonomy and subjective experience over spiritual or moral
considerations. In modern discussion, there is frequently an emphasis on self-actualization as an
end in itself and an idea that can sometimes lead to a form of narcissism or disconnection from
common values.
Moreover, Augustine’s exploration of time added another layer to his understanding of the self.
He famously reflected on how past experiences shape our present identity while also
acknowledging the fluidity of time in relation to human consciousness. This perspective
resonates with current theories in psychology that emphasize narrative identity of the idea that
individuals construct their identities through stories shaped by past experiences while remaining
open to future possibilities. Both Augustine’s reflections on memory and modern psychological
structures focus on the changing nature of identity formation as an ongoing process rather than a
defined state.
In terms of moral development, Augustine’s concept challenges current views by asserting that
true growth involves aligning one’s will with divine purpose rather than merely pursuing
personal desires or societal expectations. His belief in the necessity for divine guidance
suggested that authentic personal growth transforms individualism; it requires humility and
recognition of a higher moral order.
In conclusion, St. Augustine's concept of the life (self) presents both challenges and alignments
with modern ideas surrounding self-discovery and personal growth. While his emphasis on
introspection resonates with current practices promoting for mindfulness and awareness, his
emphasis on divine grace introduces difficulties regarding autonomy and moral responsibility
absent from many secular approaches today. Ultimately, Augustine invites us to consider not only
who we are but also who we are meant to become, a question that remains profoundly relevant in
our ongoing quest for meaning in an increasingly complex world.

“INTRODUCTION TO ST. AUGUSTINE’S LIFE AND

WRITINGS”

MID -TERM EXAMINATION

Submitted to:

Fr. Gaudencio G. De Mesa, Jr., Lantin

Submitted by:

Eva G. Arriola, MBA

November 7, 2024
L13